Returning to ACT for its winter iteration, the 14/48 theater festival is a welcome blowout after all the wholesome, healthy, long-running holiday shows. The two weekends will serve up 28 insta-plays in all genres, though snappy short comedies tend to dominate. Playwrights and performers from every stage and company in Seattle participate, making the festival both a palate cleanser and a theatrical buffet: If you see someone you like, or if some playwrights dialogue seems especially good, then you can follow them in productions during the new year. And if you happen to sit through a misfire, relax, itll be over soon enough. Whether genius or groaners, the servings are kept short. BRIAN MILLER
Fridays, Saturdays, 8 & 10:30 p.m. Starts: Jan. 7. Continues through Jan. 15, 2011
